Building the AD relationship- Am I doing it right?

[skhan007]

I've been interested in getting a Submariner and there are many AD's in my area. I chose one that's in a quieter part of the DC area, not crowded all the time, and had less of that snobby salesman vibe like some others I've been to. I came in stating that I'm looking to buy my wife some jewelry for her birthday next week and was also interested in getting myself another Rolex (I was wearing my DJ36, dressed in my work attire having gone in after work).

The salesman was great- super friendly, admitted to not having any Subs, but had me try on a TT Yacht Master for the general size. The 40mm YM looked great, so we concluded that the Sub would as well. He was happy to take all my contact info and stated there was no "official" list, but the salesman there simply call their clients when they find what the client wants. Inventory at the store was a dozen or so DJ's & OPs, two Yacht Masters, and an Air King. Many empty rows and wall displays.

He kindly passed me off to the young lady sales person to assist with my purchase of some diamond earrings for my wife, which I happily bought and they gave me 10% off those. Very cool. The store manager introduced himself and boxed up the diamond earrings while the lady sales man took my info and rang up the sale. I reiterated to the store manager I would be so greatly appreciative if they let me know when a Sub (date or no-date) came in and he said, yes definitely. He laughed that he wished he could have a whole case of Subs and I joked back that all we really need is to acquire one for me. All three sales people kindly shook hands with me at the end of the transaction. Felt great on my end and I'm certain my wife will like the 1ct. diamond stud earrings.

How did I do? Relationship established?

[AJM914]

I think you did well....you just have to wait now and see when the call comes!

[Monte Cristo]

It never hurts having a relationship with an AD, although IMO it doesn’t necessarily translate to you getting any preferential treatment on obtaining a sub.

Congrats on the purchase I’m sure the wife will love the gift

Good luck with you sub hunt and please update us if it comes through via this AD

[42itus]

Hopefully they appreciate your business and find something nice for you!


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[uhren917]

hopefully it will turn out well. I dont think it is unreasonable to expect a Submariner after buying jewelry from them.

[RHIII]

Definitely a good jumping off point - and sounds like a ‘keeper’ AD to me - based on some of the other shenanigans I’ve been hearing lately!!



Look forward to hearing how the Sub hunt goes!


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[Greg 59]

Isn't it great when you get lulled into believing you are now part of the inner sanctum.

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[skhan007]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Thankfully, I’m in no rush and it’s good for me to be patient, regarding possibly getting a Sub at MSRP. I don’t think I’d sleep at night going gray at current market prices.

Originally Posted by GregShakeshaft

Isn't it great when you get lulled into believing you are now part of the inner sanctum.

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Not feeling lulled into believing anything. I was planning on buying the wife diamond earrings anyway, so why not do so at the AD and see what the outcome may be?

[ROLEXster]

From what you did ... I think your chances are very good for a Sub.

But, if you ask for anything else (BLNR, BLRO, DayC, Hulk etc...)
It would of been a different story.

[M45]

I had an AD tell me that even though I had purchased Omegas from them in the past that wasn't ROLEX and they can't help me, another AD told me he'd be glad to put me on a list if I bought one of the 20 or so Lady Datejusts sitting around.

I kinda wandered and called around until I found one that put me on a list and delivered without asking for anything.

I came back and bought a Lady Datejust for my wife after getting my Sub and a GMT Master II for my old man--he paid me back for it.

I know that they're not hurting for business, but damn they make it easy to take your money elsewhere.

[Pw92676]

I think you did fine and I’d venture that you will get a call in the near future. Good luck

[Chadridv]

good start!

[Sprta]

Would keep in touch with them on a frequent basis so they do not forget who you are. Bring your wife with you when you visit the AD that way they will feel there are two customers for different purchase categories.

[iheartrolexx]

good start

[justjay82]

Good work. And as others have said - keep at it, and visit often so they don’t forget you.

[ap1]

I would have asked for -25 off the earrings

[calh22a]

I would start popping in periodically to chat them up and express your continued interest. Obviously you don’t want to be obnoxious and annoying, but it helps if they remember you when their next shipment comes in.

[steadywaters]

I'd say a call within the month.

[LuminousMaximus]

Wow davidsw has like 16 different varieties of Subs right now with date and no date

I would pick one up from him and start enjoying it...

However if you really want to know where you stand with this AD, ask him if he’d be willing to sell you the next one he gets when you go to his shop tomorrow

[SilverJackHammer]

Sounds like your doing the right thing, first by picking an AD who is well connected, then buying from them.

I bought a lot of diamonds for my wife when the blessings of good fortune came my way. I had no plan to purchase a Rolex but when I decided I wanted one I asked my AD for a stainless Sub. I thought I’d be waiting a year or two but my AD called me after a month.

I have bought a lot of diamonds for my wife over time, my AD would allow us to trade up if we financed 50% more in the purchase. We were just buying jewelry because my wife likes it. And of course when my Sub came in I got only support from my wife in purchasing it.

[nch209]

By your description, I am pretty confident I know exactly where this occurred! Best of luck! :-)

[CoveWatch]

Seems so far so good, now hopefully you do get the call for the sub!

[TswaneNguni]

All you established were a huge profit for the dealer and earrings .

I don't buy jewellery from Rolex ADs.It doesn't have a mrsp like Rolex so the mark ups are usually very high .I find much better value at other dealers.

On the Sub front it may work in your favour or not .You dont know.I hope it does.

This "AD relationship building spending" is just not something I would encourage.
Been collecting for 20 years and have never spent a cent unnecessary at a Rolex AD.

[harvey]

It's really quite simple. Just be genuine in your dealings with them and hopefully they will reciprocate.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by harvey

It's really quite simple. Just be genuine in your dealings with them and hopefully they will reciprocate.

Exactly this.

OP, it won’t hurt to drop in every now and then to talk watches and reiterate your interest either.

[Wristwatcherboy]

As long as you didn’t call her a “lady sales man” to her face you should be good.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Wristwatcherboy

As long as you didn’t call her a “lady sales man” to her face you should be good.

Yup, or if she looks very young, lady boy will slip out next.

[nuts070]

You've done alright, you've established a foothold. Give it a few months. Question now is, what are your plans after the sub?

[Seibei]

Somehow all this talk of building relationships with jewelry shops leaves a sour taste in my mouth. If that is what it take to get a certain watch I think I would rather just skip the whole thing.

[pkincy]

If you want the sub BNIB go to a TSer. No reason to overpay for jewelry to obtain a new watch. I suppose if the AD is the place you would buy the jewelry for your wife notwithstanding your desire for the Rolex, than it is different.

Frankly I don't think Rolex is worth all the shenanigans it takes to buy one.